At what age is it recommended for children to use a booster seat?

Children are recommended to use a booster seat from approximately 4 to 8 years of age because, at this stage, they typically outgrow their forward-facing car seats but are not yet big enough for the standard seat belt to fit them properly. Using a booster seat ensures that the seat belt rests across the child’s body in the correct position, which is crucial for effective protection in the event of a crash. The booster seat elevates the child, allowing the seat belt system to function as intended, securing the child at vital points such as the shoulder and lap, thus enhancing safety.

Younger children, such as those under 4 years old, should still be in a forward-facing car seat with a harness, whereas those older than 8 might either be able to graduate from a booster seat to using a seat belt alone, depending on their size and the vehicle's seat belt design.